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Pierre Karl Peladeau fractures hip, collarbone in bike accident

The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, May 20, 2014 10:50AM EDT
Last Updated Tuesday, May 20, 2014 5:35PM EDT

QUEBEC -- Media magnate Pierre Karl Peladeau, who was recently elected to the Quebec legislature as a Parti Quebecois member, fractured his hip and collarbone as well as ribs after falling off his bicycle, the PQ said Tuesday.

The PQ said in a statement the accident occurred in the Eastern Townships on Sunday.

No timetable has been set for his release from a Sherbrooke hospital, but Peladeau said in the statement he's eager to recover and return to the political fold.

Peladeau, the majority owner of Quebecor Inc. (TSX:QBR.B), has been considered a contender for the vacant PQ leadership.

He stepped down as vice-chairman of the conglomerate for his political run, which saw him elected in the riding of Saint-Jerome in the April 7 provincewide vote.

A spokeswoman for the PQ caucus said Peladeau's injuries include a fractured hip, a fractured collarbone and fractured ribs.

Stephane Bedard, the PQ interim leader, said Peladeau, 52, won't be in the national assembly when it resumes sitting Wednesday.

"On behalf of all my fellow Parti Quebecois members, I wish Pierre Karl Peladeau a speedy recovery," Bedard said. "We hope to see him very soon by our side in the national assembly but, until then, that he takes all the time that is necessary to regain his strength."

The media baron said in the statement he is disappointed that his political debut will be delayed and wished his team and all other elected officials luck as they return to work.

"Unfortunately, this bicycle accident will keep me in bed for a while," Peladeau said.

"That said, I remain very involved in my role as a member of Saint-Jerome, through daily communication with the people of my riding."